Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs Apple iPhone 13
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the flagship option here, boasting a massive 6.8" display and an integrated S Pen for seamless note-taking. Meanwhile, the Apple iPhone 13 offers a compact 6.1" size and packs a punch with its A15 Bionic chip. What matters most here is the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra's 120Hz refresh rate, making everything from scrolling to gaming feel incredibly smooth compared to the iPhone 13's 60Hz. If you're a photographer, the Galaxy's 108MP camera crushes the iPhone's 12MP, providing stunning detail and versatility with its dual telephoto lenses. So, what's the smarter buy for your needs? Key specs: Display: 6.8" vs 6.1" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
Why compare these? The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (premium flagship) and Apple iPhone 13 (budget-friendly) represent different approaches to smartphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Samsung Galaxy | Apple iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.7★ (1,325 reviews) | ✓4.8★ (818 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Integrated S Pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms) | Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating |
| Main Drawback | Large, heavy, and boxy design can be unwieldy | Stuck on 60Hz refresh rate (Competitors offer 120Hz) |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Budget |
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Qualcomm Adreno 730
Apple iPhone 13
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs Apple iPhone 13
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Apple iPhone 13
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | Apple iPhone 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,325)Best Buy | ★4.8(818)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | iOS |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 730 | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
RAM | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5 | 4GB LPDDR4X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.1" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display | Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
Resolution | 3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi | 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1,750 nits (Peak) | 800 nits (Typical) / 1,200 nits (HDR Peak) |
Main Camera | 108MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OIS | 12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x, 10x Optical Zoom | 2x Optical Zoom Out (0.5x to 1x) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 100x Space Zoom | Up to 5x |
Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps | 4K @ 60fps (Dolby Vision HDR supported); Cinematic mode (1080p @ 30fps) |
Front Camera | 40MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), PDAF | 12MP TrueDepth, f/2.2, 23mm, SL 3D (Biometrics) |
Battery | 5,000 mAh (Typical) | 3,240mAh (approximate) |
Wired Charging | Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately) | 20W+ Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare | 15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC; UWB | 5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) |
Durability | IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus+ | IP68 (Maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front |
Dimensions | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm) | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm) |
Weight | 8.08 oz (229 g) | 6.14 oz (174 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Face ID |
Extras | Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox | MagSafe ecosystem support, Stereo speakers, Dual eSIM support |
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Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Qualcomm Adreno 730
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5
128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)
Pros
- Integrated S Pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms)
- Versatile camera system with dual telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical)
Cons
- Large, heavy, and boxy design can be unwieldy
- Battery life is average despite 5,000mAh capacity
Apple iPhone 13
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
4GB LPDDR4X
128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe
Pros
- Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating
- Strong battery life for its size (beat many Android competitors at launch)
Cons
- Stuck on 60Hz refresh rate (Competitors offer 120Hz)
- Uses proprietary Lightning port instead of universal USB-C
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its 108MP camera crushes the iPhone 13's 12MP.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra if: you want a stunning 6.8" display, need a versatile camera for photography, or prefer the integrated S Pen for productivity.
Choose the Apple iPhone 13 if: you need a lightweight phone, prefer a more compact size for daily use, or want a solid device that offers exceptional build quality. (6.1" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.8★ vs 4.7★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,325 reviews vs 818
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: The Apple iPhone 13 leads with a 4.8★ rating versus 4.7★. That said, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra or Apple iPhone 13?
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the better choice if you prioritize integrated s pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms). Apple iPhone 13 wins if you value excellent build quality with ceramic shield and ip68 rating. Both are rated highly (4.7★ vs 4.8★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and Apple iPhone 13?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra offers integrated s pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms), while Apple iPhone 13 stands out with excellent build quality with ceramic shield and ip68 rating. Consider that Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra large, heavy, and boxy design can be unwieldy. Meanwhile, Apple iPhone 13 stuck on 60hz refresh rate (competitors offer 120hz). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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